Earl Vandam, 90
October 31, 1935 – November 14, 2025
Guntown- Earl Vandam, a highly decorated Army veteran who embodied the American Dream, died at his home in Guntown on November 14, 2025, at the age of 90. Earl was born in Indonesia and developed an early admiration for America while in an internment camp with his mother during World War II. After learning that Americans had liberated them, Earl said to himself, “I’m going to be an American someday.”
In 1956, at the age of 20, Earl arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, with only a few dollars in his pocket and began his pursuit of the American Dream. In 1957, a letter from the Selective Service marked the beginning of his thirty-year commitment to defending freedom by serving in the United States Army. Earl possessed a deep sense of patriotism and was forever grateful to America and the opportunities it afforded him. He often said that he would never be able to repay this country for what it had done for him, but he spent a lifetime showing his gratitude – both by defending its ideals and by serving others.
During his distinguished Army career, Earl served in Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and the former British colonies of East Africa before being honorably discharged at the age of 51.
After retiring from the Army, Earl continued his life of service. He earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education and went on to teach in Verona and Plantersville as well as at Itawamba Community College. Applying the leadership skills he gained in the Army, along with his passion for learning and his compassion for others, he influenced countless young lives and encouraged many to pursue their own American Dream.
Earl was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne. He is survived by his wife, Jo; three daughters; one son; and five grandchildren.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Pegues, Tupelo.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Rev. Steven P. “Rusty” Keen, Mr. David Pannell, and Mr. Phillip Pannell speaking. Earl will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, our Nation’s most hallowed ground, among his comrades.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Helping Hands food pantry at the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo, the Itawamba Community College Foundation, 602 West Hill Street, Fulton, Mississippi 38849, or an organization of your choice that supports veterans or students.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Thursday, November 20, 2025
10 AM – 11 AM
Pegues Funeral Home – Jefferson Street Chapel
Tupelo
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Memorial Service
Thursday, November 20, 2025
11 AM
Pegues Funeral Home – Jefferson Street Chapel
Tupelo
